7 Child Stars Who Grew Up With Hearing Loss

Being a kid in the spotlight is tough enough—but growing up with hearing loss can bring its own unique set of challenges. Still, some child stars haven’t just survived Hollywood—they’ve thrived, while navigating hearing loss with confidence, resilience, and pride.

Here are 7 child stars who grew up with hearing loss and proved that no obstacle is too big when you have talent, determination, and support.

1. Millie Bobby Brown

You probably know her as Eleven from Stranger Things, but what you may not know is that Millie Bobby Brown was born with partial hearing loss in one ear—and eventually lost all hearing in that ear. She’s spoken about learning to act and perform without being able to hear herself clearly and encourages others to embrace their differences rather than hide them.

2. Lou Ferrigno

Before becoming The Incredible Hulk, Lou Ferrigno was a shy boy who lost 75–80% of his hearing as a child due to ear infections. He wore bulky hearing aids growing up—long before they were discreet or cool—and faced bullying and self-doubt. But he credits his hearing loss for giving him the drive to become strong, confident, and successful.

3. Halle Berry

Though her hearing loss developed a bit later in life, Halle Berry began acting at a young age and faced trauma that caused permanent hearing damage. She has partial hearing loss in one ear and has since become an advocate for domestic violence survivors, using her platform to bring attention to the invisible struggles people carry—including hearing loss.

4. Nyle DiMarco

Born into a large Deaf family, Nyle DiMarco rose to fame as a winner of America’s Next Top Model and Dancing with the Stars. He’s also an actor, author, and activist who proudly embraces his Deaf identity. While he wasn’t a traditional child actor, DiMarco began performing in grade school and now works to improve Deaf representation in media.

5. Ayumi Hamasaki

J-pop superstar Ayumi Hamasaki started her career as a child actress and model in Japan. She later revealed she had gone completely deaf in one ear due to an inner ear disorder, and partial loss in the other. Despite this, she continued to sing, tour, and dominate charts—proving that hearing loss didn’t diminish her star power one bit.

6. Marlee Matlin

Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin became deaf at 18 months old and began acting in local theater as a child. She was just 21 when she won an Academy Award for Children of a Lesser God, and she’s been a tireless advocate for Deaf representation in Hollywood ever since.

7. Sean Berdy

Best known for his role as Emmett on Switched at Birth, Sean Berdy was born deaf and began performing as a child in school plays and sign language competitions. He later became a fan favorite on the show for his expressive acting and authentic portrayal of a Deaf teen. Berdy is also a motivational speaker and has worked on projects promoting mental health and accessibility in the Deaf community.

They Grew Up in the Spotlight—and Let Their Talent Shine

These child stars prove that hearing loss doesn’t have to limit anyone’s dreams. Whether they were born deaf or experienced hearing loss early in life, they didn’t let it define them. Instead, they let their passion, talent, and voices (spoken or signed) lead the way.

Let Beltone Help You Hear—and Thrive

If you think your child might have hearing loss, early testing and support can make all the difference. While we don’t fit children with hearing aids, Beltone offers free hearing screenings and hearing solutions for adults that can help you feel confident and connected at every stage.